Around-the-Clock Care Continues for Theo

After one week at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, Theodore, a young adult, male harbour porpoise, that was rescued off Esquimalt last week, is still pulling hard to survive.

Theodore (or Theo) still requires intensive 24-hour monitoring. A devoted team of 10 staff and more than 100 volunteers are taking shifts around-the-clock to care for him daily. Theo has had routine physical exams to monitor his progress with Vancouver Aquarium’s Dr. Chelsea Anderson and veterinary team.

Lab work, x-rays and a full-body ultrasound were recently performed by Dr. Anderson. She suspects Theo may have a lung infection and is treating him supportively for verminous pneumonia (lung parasites). So far, he is responding well to treatment.

He appears to be getting stronger each day – eating more and more and displaying greater strength. Theo still requires being supported in his sling to keep him afloat; however he is responding well to physiotherapy treatment.

The Marine Mammal Rescue Centre team will continue to assess his condition daily and keep you updated. Although his prognosis is still guarded, we are cautiously optimistic!